Ian Schlakman, who is seeking the Green Party's nomination for United States House of Representatives (2nd District), expressed disappointment in this morning's Supreme Court ruling in the McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission case. The justices ruled 5-4 that aggregate limits on political contributions by individuals are a violation of free speech protections.

"The Supreme Court has issued yet another setback in the struggle to reign in unlimited corporate spending on federal elections," Schlakman noted. "It is becoming more and more difficult for the majority of Americans to compete against the likes of Sheldon Adelson and George Soros as they find ways to purchase more influence on elected officials and candidates."

As a Green Party candidate, Schlakman does not accept contributions from political action committees (PACs) or labor unions. Green Party candidates do not accept corporate contributions even when permitted to do so by state law.

"It is ironic that the First Amendment couldn't protect Occupy protesters while they were literally raising their voices on behalf of the 99% of Americans who cannot afford to make large contributions to candidates and elected officials," Schlakman continued, "but silently writing checks for millions is now protected as free speech."

Schlakman is the sole Green Party candidate for Maryland's 2nd District nomination. He looks forward to appearing on the General Election ballot against the presumptive Democratic nominee Representative Dutch Ruppersberger, who has raised tens of thousands of dollars from defense, security, banking and telecom industry PACs during the current election cycle.